William Faulkner is one of the most recognized Nobel Prize winning authors of all time. He is praised for his short stories and novels which contain a brilliant scheme of southern Gothic mystery. He created believable characters and stories drenched in suspense. Before becoming an author, he grew up in Oxford, Mississippi and wound up joining the Canadian, then later the British, Air Force during WWI. After he studied at the University of Mississippi, he then moved on to part time jobs such as working for a New York bookstore and a Newspaper in Louisiana. Every now and again, Faulkner would take a trip to Europe, Asia, or Hollywood, but where he really felt at home was at his farm in Oxford working on his novels and short stories.
In his attempt to create a saga, Faulkner took fictional yet believable characters and intertwined their life and drama into actual history. Each story, every sentence on every page, plays a part in the construction of Yoknapatawpha County and its locals. The over all theme is the erosion of the old south, as seen with the Compson and Sartoris families, and the presence of interlopers, such as the Snopeses.
Famous Works: The Sound and the Fury (1929) - This novel details the downfall of the Compson family as seen through the eyes of Jason Compson III, Quentin Compson, Caddy Compson, Jason Compson IV, and Benjy Compson.
Sanctuary (1931) - This novel entails the fall from grace of Temple Drake, a young girl from a well respected southern family.
Requiem for a Nun (1951) - The sequel to Sanctuary, this book, written in a dramatic fashion, highlights the trial of an African American woman who had one played a part in Temple Drake's activities.
Light in August (1931) - This is where the reader sees Faulkner bring out racial issues personified by his main character, Joe Christmas. Joe believes that one of his parents might have been African American; although, no proof can be found.
Absalom, Absalom! (1936) - This work also brings out racial issues as a young man is cast aside by his father for having mixed blood.
Intruder in the Dust (1948) - This is perhaps his most controversial novel in existence, as it heavily brings out racial issues.
The Snopes Trilogy: This saga is about the rise to power of the Snopes family. The Hamlet, The Town, and The Mansion are its installments.
In 1962, the year of his death, his last work, The Reivers, appeared out of hiding. It was his most humorous book to date and contained many similarities to Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn.
Died - July 6, 1962
William Faulkner is one of the most recognized Nobel Prize winning authors of all time. He is praised for his short stories and novels which contain a brilliant scheme of southern Gothic mystery. He created believable characters and stories drenched in suspense. Before becoming an author, he grew up in Oxford, Mississippi and wound up joining the Canadian, then later the British, Air Force during WWI. After he studied at the University of Mississippi, he then moved on to part time jobs such as working for a New York bookstore and a Newspaper in Louisiana. Every now and again, Faulkner would take a trip to Europe, Asia, or Hollywood, but where he really felt at home was at his farm in Oxford working on his novels and short stories.
In his attempt to create a saga, Faulkner took fictional yet believable characters and intertwined their life and drama into actual history. Each story, every sentence on every page, plays a part in the construction of Yoknapatawpha County and its locals. The over all theme is the erosion of the old south, as seen with the Compson and Sartoris families, and the presence of interlopers, such as the Snopeses.
Famous Works:
The Sound and the Fury (1929) - This novel details the downfall of the Compson family as seen through the eyes of Jason Compson III, Quentin Compson, Caddy Compson, Jason Compson IV, and Benjy Compson.
Sanctuary (1931) - This novel entails the fall from grace of Temple Drake, a young girl from a well respected southern family.
Requiem for a Nun (1951) - The sequel to Sanctuary, this book, written in a dramatic fashion, highlights the trial of an African American woman who had one played a part in Temple Drake's activities.
Light in August (1931) - This is where the reader sees Faulkner bring out racial issues personified by his main character, Joe Christmas. Joe believes that one of his parents might have been African American; although, no proof can be found.
Absalom, Absalom! (1936) - This work also brings out racial issues as a young man is cast aside by his father for having mixed blood.
Intruder in the Dust (1948) - This is perhaps his most controversial novel in existence, as it heavily brings out racial issues.
The Snopes Trilogy: This saga is about the rise to power of the Snopes family.
The Hamlet, The Town, and The Mansion are its installments.
In 1962, the year of his death, his last work, The Reivers, appeared out of hiding. It was his most humorous book to date and contained many similarities to Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn.
Sources:
William Faulkner - Biography
The Sound and the Fury - character list